Our First Study
Last Tuesday, we had our first Bible study in our home. It was so crazy to think that Trevor and I have been praying and preparing for that study for so many years. As I explained in our very first post, we have both had a calling and longing to church plant since age 16/17. It was very surreal to be in Portland at our first Bible study. We know we have a long road ahead, which will by no means be easy. But we know we are where we are supposed to be. God has been reminding me daily to depend on Him and His direction. I like to make to do lists and check things off- part of my type A personality. I wish there was some check list of "how to start a church" that I could go off of every day. But there isn't. There is no "right" way or "blue print" for starting the perfect church. Ultimately, it can only happen by God's grace and direction. It has been impressed so much on my heart lately how important it is to be people of prayer - to pray for the city, to pray for the people, to pray for my husband. We need to be people of prayer. Prayer gives us clarity and direction. Prayer changes US. It conforms our wills to God's will. That is our true desire. It is only by God's provision and planning that we are here in Portland. We are excited for what is in store and know we will only see lives changed by Christ if we continue in prayer and continue in relationship with Him. Daily I am reminded that it is not in our strength that lives will be changed or people will be saved. We are completely dependent on Him and what He is doing. It is exciting to be a part of His work.
We had our Easter egg hunt for our complex on Easter Sunday. We had a great turn out! We got to meet some people in our apartment complex and saw the need to have more events for the kids in our community. We have a lot of open space and common rooms for activities and we are going to continue to plan events to reach out to the families here. It was a great opportunity to "test the waters" so to speak. Our complex was so supportive of us doing something for the kids here that they are going to write an article on the Easter Egg hunt in their next newsletter! We are so excited! God is doing great things already. We didn't know if we would face resistance from the apartment managers but they were so supportive and gave us more ideas for reaching the kids here. We are excited to plan more events.
Please pray that God would continue to direct our paths and give us hearts for the people here. Pray for ways to serve and love people in our community. Praise for all He is doing here already and for his constant provision and presence.
Thanks for reading!!!
Julie
